25 August 2026
Nordzucker intends to cease sugar production in Nakskov
Against the backdrop of persistent structural overcapacity in the European sugar industry, the planned closure of the site’s sugar production reflects Nordzucker’s proactive actions to safeguard the Group’s future competitiveness and create a more efficient production network.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Nordzucker will cease sugar production at its site in Trenčianská Teplá, Slovakia, as well as raw sugar refinery activities at its site in Porkkala, Finland, where manufacturing capacities were optimised. However, further measures are required to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the company’s Business Unit Beet.
Comprehensive assessment has identified the plant in Nakskov as the site that can contribute most significantly to achieving these objectives. A key factor in the decision has been the fact that the Nakskov site would require a significantly higher degree of investments in order to maintain its long-term efficiency and profitability compared to other sites in the Nordzucker Group.
“We are continuously working to strengthen our resilience and competitiveness as a company to ensure we remain successful in a challenging market environment”, says Lars Gorissen, CEO Nordzucker. “Efforts have been further intensified this year, and we have come to the difficult conclusion that we can no longer see a future for our sugar production in Nakskov. While decisions affecting people and communities are never taken lightly, we believe this step is necessary to secure a strong, efficient and future-ready Nordzucker for the years ahead. We remain fully committed to our customers and will continue to supply the market at the same level as today.” Subject to negotiations, the proposed closing of sugar production at Nordzucker Nakskov will impact up to 150 jobs when the 2026/2027 campaign will be completed in January 2027.
Jannik Olejas, Managing Director Nordic Sugar Denmark, states: “Our focus now is on helping our affected employees in Nakskov to prepare for the site’s upcoming production campaign, while also supporting them when the time comes to move on to other work elsewhere after that. In the days and weeks ahead, we will engage in a constructive dialogue with the local municipality and employee representatives to find the best possible solutions for as many of our people as possible.”
The planned closure of sugar production in Nakskov does not change Nordzucker’s commitment to its operations in Denmark. Going forward, the company’s sugar production in Denmark will be concentrated at the site in Nykøbing, ensuring full utilisation of this site.
“One of the main building blocks in Nordzucker’s long-term strategy, Fields for Growth, is to increase efficiency and enhance competitiveness,” explains Lars Gorissen. “This includes an aim to adapt the available production capacity to the changing business needs. In 2025, Nordzucker launched an additional action programme to strengthen competitiveness and resilience by optimising the network structure and improving overall cost efficiency.”